Saturday 2 December 2006

Noel Ahern reacts to the calls of charities

Mr. Noel Ahern T.D., Minister for Housing and Urban Renewal today, 28th November 2006, announced the allocation of an additional €30,000 in funding towards the administrative and general expenses of a number of organisations and bodies who provide information, research or representative services in the housing area. This amount is in addition to €1,610,000 previously approved bringing the total allocation for 2006 to €1,640,000. This funding will assist such organisations in the delivery of their housing objectives. The Grant in Aid allocations represent an increase of more than 6% over last years funding.

There are currently in the region of 19,000 units of accommodation being managed by approved voluntary housing bodies. In 2005, 1,350 units of accommodation were provided by the sector bringing the total number of units provided for the period 2003 to 2005 to 4,582.

Under Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government Voluntary Housing Capital Funding Schemes, approved voluntary housing organisations provide accommodation for renting to certain categories of tenants such as homeless persons, elderly persons, persons with disabilities and families on the housing authority waiting list. Voluntary and co-operative housing bodies play an increasingly important role in the provision of rental accommodation and the overall response to national housing needs. The additional funding announced today, together with that allocated in August, will further assist the voluntary and co-operative bodies in providing effective programmes to deliver on needs.

No comments: